STEPHEN Kiely and Angela Willcox-Kiely are seeing far less of each these days – after losing more than 14 stones between them.

The Colchester couple are among 23 couples from across the UK and Ireland to reach the finals of Slimming World’s Couple of the Year 2015 competition.

They believe the secret of their success was supporting each other at home as well as weekly slimming group sessions group in Tiptree.

Stephen, 39, who has lost 9st 13.5lbs, said: “Doing this together has made a big difference because we understood how the other person was feeling and didn’t ever feel like we were alone on our weight loss journey.

“Instead of relying on convenience foods, we cook from scratch and it tastes so much better than using packets and jars.

“We’re both much more active nowadays and we enjoy long walks with our dog and performing with the community choir, Funky Voices.”

Stephen and Angela were voted their Slimming World group’s Couple of the Year by fellow slimmers.

They were then invited to represent the Tiptree group at the finals at Slimming World’s head office in Derbyshire, where they narrowly missed out on the national prize.

Angela, 36, who has lost 4st 5lbs, said: “We feel honoured to have been chosen to represent our group and were absolutely delighted to take part in the finals.

“If I’m honest, though, the competition is really just the icing on the cake, because we already feel like we’ve won the biggest prize anyway.

“Losing weight has completely changed our lives and we’ve got a healthier future together now.

“We joined with my parents and they have now lost about 7 stones, each too.”

Paula Bamford, who runs the Tiptree Slimming World group, said: “I’m so proud of them both.

“The way they motivate and inspire one another, the other members in the group – and me – is amazing.”